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LETTER: Respect goes both ways, Mr. Sanders

Rufus Sanders' column, "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" (Sept. 14), was so ridiculous as to instantly beg the question: "Is this man really a newspap

Sandusky Register Staff

May 24, 2010

Rufus Sanders' column, "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" (Sept. 14), was so ridiculous as to instantly beg the question: "Is this man really a newspaper columnist?" The column showed no "respect" for objectivity and was simply a naked partisan rant.

Sanders criticizes conservatives for calling President Obama "racist," "socialist," etc., and then turns right around and calls conservatives "leftover confederates," and "the people who killed Lincoln." Talk about the "kettle calling the pot black!" Sanders goes on to thoroughly demonize all conservatives and opponents of Obama, saying they "use their own children as pawns," "do anything to debase civic culture...and destroy unity," and "create havoc, distrust, fear and suspicion between the classes and races every chance they get."

Sanders also argues controversially opposing Obama "might be tantamount to treason." In America, like in any democracy, robust criticism of government is not only a fundamental right, but a fundamental prerequisite for free elections. What conservatives have said about Barack Obama seems tame compared to what liberals like Sanders said about Bush.

Finally, Sanders absurdly posits conservative opposition to President Obama is nothing more than veiled white racism against a black man, because why else would anyone go after a man "of such enormous talent, good will, etc.?" The answer is self-evident. Not everyone is an Obama syncophant like Sanders. Many Americans legitimately disagree with Obama's policies and positions.

Sanders should exorcise his own bias towards white conservatives, and should show his own respect for democracy.